Arizona Diamondbacks roster moves await after All-Star break

Trumbo talks about how he feels at plate and his possible return date to the big leagues.

Arizona Diamondbacks Mark Trumbo in the dugout after striking out against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2nd inning on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at Chase field in Phoenix, AZ.(Photo: Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports)

The Diamondbacks will have some decisions to make once they return from the All-Star break, and that doesn't even include possible deals they might explore before the July 31 trading deadline.

For starters, they will start seeing players return from the disabled list. That, in turn, will force them to make some roster moves that figure to affect their outfield, their infield and, possibly, their starting rotation.

The first player expected to return is slugger Mark Trumbo, who clubbed a grand slam during his first rehabilitation appearance with Triple-A Reno on Monday night. He was in the Aces' lineup again on Tuesday and Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson said there's a chance Trumbo, working back from a stress fracture in his left foot, could be activated in time for Arizona's three-game series at San Francisco, which begins Friday.

"We've had some discussions about it," Gibson said. " … There's an outside chance he could come to San Francisco, but (it's) unlikely."

Another outfielder, A.J. Pollock (fractured right hand), is getting closer to resuming baseball activities, and Gibson hinted Aug. 1 could be a target day for Pollock to go on a rehab assignment. Presently, there are five outfielders on the active roster, so at least two of them, if not a third, likely will be reassigned — or possibly dealt in a trade package.

Infielder Cliff Pennington(sprained left thumb ligament) is also working his way back and might be activated sooner than Pollock. His return could have a direct impact on younger players such as Didi Gregorius and Nick Ahmed.

Meanwhile, veteran infielders Aaron Hill and Martin Prado continue to hear their names mentioned in trade rumors. Hill has been linked to a possible deal with his former team, the Toronto Blue Jays.

Gibson said the Diamondbacks' brain trust would huddle during the All-Star break to evaluate what to do with the starting rotation. He said the team has "different issues to address with different pitchers."

One of those is Trevor Cahill, who has won his past two starts with Reno in his continuing effort to work his way back to the majors. He has yet to go seven innings or throw 100 pitches in any of his minor-league starts, however.

"He's done everything we've asked," Gibson said.

Get some rest

Miguel Montero was out of the starting lineup for the second time in three days and Gibson said Tuesday's decision to sit Montero was made simply because he sees the catcher starting to get tired.

"I can tell," said Gibson, adding he will try to get Montero more days off down the stretch. "Yeah, I always say that and somehow he always ends up leading the league (in innings caught). But I think we'd like to give him more time off than I've given him."

Rookie outfielder David Peralta also did not start Tuesday. He was nursing a slight groin problem following Monday's game, but Gibson said it isn't serious.

"He's fine. We just want to try to be proactive and give him some time to recover," Gibson said. "He's been playing hard. He's been on base a lot."

No Derby for Goldy

All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt said Tuesday he was never asked about or invited to participate in the Home Run Derby and thinks it's because he made it clear early on he just wasn't interested in doing it.

"I think they heard it wasn't really something I wanted to do," Goldschmidt said, adding he might like to try it down the line. "Someday, maybe," he said.

Goldschmidt typically doesn't belt a ton of home runs during batting practice; it's just not his style. For that very reason, Gibson said it makes sense for Goldschmidt not to participate in the derby.

"He's very disciplined. He's probably very cautious about having a round of BP like that," the manager said. "It doesn't fit in with how he prepares for a season."

Arroyo surgery set

Right-hander Bronson Arroyo said he will undergo Tommy John surgery on his elbow Tuesday or next Wednesday and that it will be performed in Phoenix by team physicians Dr. Michael Lee and Dr. Don Sheridan.

"For one, it's going to be easier not to travel," Arroyo said. "But also, the nerve, some of the guys split the muscle to do the nerve. These guys put it underneath the muscle. I just think it's a better move for me to do that. Plus, I kind of like that Sheridan's a hand guy. He's used to working on real meticulous areas. The most important part of it is drilling the holes and how tight you pull the ligaments. I just talked with him and I just like his idea on how he does it."

He said it

Right-hander Chase Anderson on tying his career high with eight strikeouts Monday against the Marlins, which including striking out slugger Giancarlo Stanton three times: "My game plan going in was just to attack no matter who was in the batter's box. I didn't even know he was in there sometimes. I'm serious. I mean, I knew he was coming up but I didn't focus on that. I just pitched to my strengths and good things happened."

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

The Diamondbacks shower Paul Goldschmidt after his walk-off 2-run double to defeat the Miami Marlins at Chase Field on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. The Diamondbacks won 4-3 in 10 innings.
Charlie Leight/azcentral sports

Miami Marlins' Adeiny Hechavarria tags Miguel Montero on a rundown in seventh inning, as the Diamondbacks play the Miami Marlins at Chase Field on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. The Diamondbacks defeated the Marlins 4-3 in 10 innings.
Charlie Leight/azcentral sports

The Diamondbacks' David Peralta runs toward home to score the winning run as the D-Backs play the Miami Marlins at Chase Field on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. The Diamondbacks defeated the Marlins 4-3 in 10 innings.
Charlie Leight/azcentral sports

The Diamondbacks' David Peralta scores the winning run off a Paul Goldschmidt walk-off double as the D-Backs play the Miami Marlins at Chase Field on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. The Diamondbacks defeated the Marlins 4-3 in 10 innings.
Charlie Leight/azcentral sports

The Diamondbacks' David Peralta scores the winning run off a Paul Goldschmidt walk-off double as the D-Backs play the Miami Marlins at Chase Field on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. The Diamondbacks defeated the Marlins 4-3 in 10 innings.
Charlie Leight/azcentral sports

The Diamondbacks' Paul Goldschmidt gets congratulations from David Peralta after his walk-off 2-run double to defeat the Miami Marlins at Chase Field on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. The Diamondbacks won 4-3 in 10 innings.
Charlie Leight/azcentral sports

The Diamondbacks' Martin Prado grabs David Peralta after Peralta scored the winning run as the D-Backs defeat the Miami Marlins at Chase Field on Wednesday, July 9, 2014. The Diamondbacks won 4-3 in 10 innings.
Charlie Leight/azcentral sports

Miami Marlins' Marcell Ozuna (13) celebrates with teammate Ed Lucas, his two run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in in the 9th inning of their MLB game Tuesday, July 8,, 2014 in Phoenix, Ariz.
David KadlubowskI/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Addison Reed (43) following the 9th inning where he gave up a two-run home run to Miami Marlins' Marcell Ozuna (13) in their MLB game Tuesday, July 8,, 2014 in Phoenix, Ariz.
David KadlubowskI/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Addison Reed (43) watches as he gives up a two-run home run to Miami Marlins' Marcell Ozuna (13) in the 9th inning of their MLB game Tuesday, July 8,, 2014 in Phoenix, Ariz.
David KadlubowskI/azcentral sports

Miami Marlins' Marcell Ozuna (13) celebrates his two-run home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 9th inning of their MLB game Tuesday, July 8,, 2014 in Phoenix, Ariz.
David KadlubowskI/azcentral sports

Miami Marlins catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) can't make the throw on Arizona Diamondbacks' Vidal Nuno (54) following a bunt in the 2nd inning of their MLB game Tuesday, July 8,, 2014 in Phoenix, Ariz.
David KadlubowskI/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed (13) makes a play for an out against Miami Marlins' Brad Hand (52) in the 3rd inning of their MLB game Tuesday, July 8,, 2014 in Phoenix, Ariz.
David KadlubowskI/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed (13) watches his foul ball in the 4th inning of their MLB game against the Miami Marlins Tuesday, July 8,, 2014 in Phoenix, Ariz.
David KadlubowskI/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' Aaron Hill is forced out at second as Miami Marlins second baseman Ed Lucas (59) turns a double play on a ball hit by Paul Goldschmidt in the 5th inning of their MLB game Tuesday, July 8,, 2014 in Phoenix, Ariz.
David KadlubowskI/azcentral sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' Vidal Nuno (54) scores on a single by Aaron Hill in the 6th inning of their MLB game against the Miami Marlins Tuesday, July 8,, 2014 in Phoenix, Ariz.
David Kadlubowski David KadlubowskI/The Republic

Diamondbacks' David Peralta celebrates with Paul Goldschmidt after Goldschmidt scored in the fourth inning against the Marlins at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ on Monday, July 7, 2014.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Diamondbacks' Gerardo Parra hits hands with Ender Inciarte after the two scored against the Marlins in the second inning at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ on Monday, July 7, 2014.
Patrick Breen/azcentral sports

Notable: Collmenter has gone 3-1 with a 3.63 ERA in his past four games, including three starts. He's faced the Marlins twice, but never as a starter. Nearly a year ago, he pitched six innings of scoreless relief against Miami, tallying the second-longest relief outing in club history. … Eovaldi came to the Marlins in 2012 as part of the trade that sent Hanley Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He's posted a 3.77 ERA and a 12-17 record in parts of three seasons with Miami.

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

USA TODAY Sports unveils its latest MLB Power Rankings and what began as a season of hope and promise for the Arizona Diamondbacks has turned into everything but that as the team begins to trade away players and looks toward the future. Records through July 6, 2014. Previous ranking in parenthesis.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports